Zhang Liang (Han)

Zhang Liang (died 186 BC) was a strategist and statesman of the early Han dynasty.

Biography
Zhang Liang was born in present-day Zhengzhou, Henan to an aristocratic family from the State of Han. Han was annexed by Qin in 230 BC during the Warring States Period, and Zhang Liang grew vengeful about Han's fall to Qin and about Qin Shi Huangdi's tyrannical rule. He hired Cang Hai to assist him with the assassination attempt on Qin Shi Huang at Bolangsha in 218 BC, but the ambush instead killed the Emperor's uncle, and Zhang Liang escaped after being wounded. He escaped to Xiapi and became a fugitive, and, in 209 BC, he took part in the widespread rebellions against Qin rule. He became an advisor to Liu Bang and joined Xiang Lang's rebel force, and, during the Chu-Han Contention, Zhang Liang and Fan Kuai thwarted Xiang Yu's assassination attempt on Liu Bang at Hong Gate in 206 BC. Zhang then became Marquis of Changxin and a permanent advisor to Liu Bang, and he helped him form alliances with Han Xin and Peng Yue, whose assistance led to the decisive victory over Chu at the Battle of Gaixia in 202 BC. Zhang Liang continued to serve as an advisor to Liu Bang after he became Han emperor, advising him to build his capital at Chang'an. He died in 186 BC.